Friday, August 29, 2008

5882: Is The LPGA An Old Boys’ Club?


At AdAge.com’s The Big Tent, Bill Imada presents a thoughtful perspective on the LPGA (Ladies’ Professional Golf Association) and its recent decision to mandate that golfers speak English. On the one hand, these types of action are hardly surprising from the world of professional golf. Though you’d think someone would have given the matter more careful deliberation before ratifying the silly rule.

After all, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton just demonstrated the glass ceiling has been cracked, yet hardly shattered. Women need to gain respect, not invite disrespect. And seemingly lost in the Michael Phelps hoopla was the fact that women athletes scored quite a few gold medals at the Olympics in basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, gymnastics, track and field and more. Women’s professional sports have always suffered from a lack of fan participation and interest. The LPGA especially should find ways to lure larger audiences versus turning them off. Why is a sport that literally shushes spectators so concerned about the language players must use when whispering?

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